What a Year!
Moving at the Speed of Business!
Take a deep breath. The 2017-18 CSA year is drawing to a close. This past year has been a busy one, with programs and benefits that have benefited CSA members and the on-premise sign industry.
With a commitment to education and training, STEPS (Sign Training & Education Program Series) kicked off with Matt Davis from Sign Designs, Modesto, being the first to enroll – his first term concentrating on electrical safety. In addition to STEPS, five seminars were conducted, two in the north and three in the south; topics included Standardized Engineering and Various New Laws-2018. Education was not limited to a classroom setting; tours of Golden 1 Center in Sacramento and MONA (Museum of Neon Art) in Glendale certainly made learning fun!
We also remain engaged with the California public school system and the International Sign Association (ISA).
The CSA Crane Operator Certification became an important program for sign companies utilizing cranes with a lift capacity of over 2,000 lbs. As of November 10, 2018, OSHA requires the operators of these cranes to be certified. CSA is pleased to report that 27 individuals have been OSHA certified through the program and an additional 42 operators are working at becoming certified through the CSA program. The very cost-effective program has been in place for over a year now – it is not known how much longer CSA will have such a reasonable rate; all indications are, the increase is inevitable.
Networking has always been an important part of CSA membership. Besides the seven luncheon/dinner meetings, a Day at the Races in both northern and southern California and annual deep sea fishing trip out of Dana Point gave many a chance to build on existing business relationships and develop new ones. And all while having a good time in the process. Yes – CSA members know how to work hard AND play hard!
Without a doubt, CSA Government Affairs Committee remains active as it has over the years. The ongoing (now nine-year) battle with the City of Los Angeles over proposed draconian changes to the Sign Ordinance became optimistic this year after countless hours of meetings with council members and PLUM (Planning & Land Use Meetings). In addition, Jeff Aran, CSA’s legal counsel, has helped to keep the association updated on legislative issues that could possibly affect the sign industry. Fortunately, at the capitol, signage legislation has been fairly benign this past year. There were several significant regulatory and legal developments however, highlighted in CSA’s Signage Matters publications throughout the year. Jeff and CSA staff also met with CSLB (California State Licensing Board), regarding a number of pressing contractor issues, obtaining positive results.
CSA membership continues to grow, member companies profit from being a part of the association and the on-premise sign industry is better for it!
About CSA Team
CSA’s Executive Director, Roy Flahive, has worked within the sign industry for more than 50 years. He served an apprenticeship in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), owned his own sign company for almost 30 years and he is well-known and highly respected in the sign industry, having served on numerous boards, including those of the International Sign Association (ISA), San Diego Area Lighting Advisory Council, Arizona Sign Association, Western States Sign Council, San Diego Mayors Sign Code Task Force, and UL’s Industry Advisory Committee. Notably, Flahive has twice been elected President (Chairman of the Board) of CSA and has served over 30 years on that board.
Cheryl Flahive, CSA’s Director of Member Services, has worked within the sign industry for over 33 years; twenty of those years, as vice president of a sign company in southern California. She has served in various administrative roles, from finance to project management, and is dedicated to helping CSA members at all levels.
The CSA Communications Committee, made up of committed industry leaders, works in a behind the scenes capacity, to keep CSA members educated and informed.